Croc accused back in cuffs
A MAN who police allege stole thousands of dollars worth of items including snakes, spiders and crocodile skins, was dramatically re-arrested after being released on bail yesterday afternoon.
Jay Christopher Grozdanovski was taken into police custody on Saturday morning after police discovered about $100,000 of allegedly stolen items including flat screen televisions, fishing equipment, a samurai sword and a cross bow at his Earlville home.
Also among the haul were 32 live tarantulas, a brown tree snake, a 1.8m-long water python and several crocodile skins.
He was granted bail in Cairns Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning but upon his release from the watchhouse was re-arrested on further break and enter charges relating to stolen fishing equipment.
As he was led back into the watchhouse Mr Grozdanovski struggled with police and made a desperate dash for freedom, only to be restrained by the two female officers before reinforcements arrived.
He will reappear in court at a later date while a co-accused, Mr Grozdanovski’s housemate, will appear in court on July 27.
Police allege the stolen items were gathered through several break and enters in Cairns since October last year, including one at the Cairns Jockey Club and at least one at Australian Reptile Traders.
ART managing director Keith Cook said he was relieved to get the stolen items back, but said several other items stolen were not recovered.
"There is not a big black market, because they require permits and all that sort of stuff," he said.
"It is not an easy thing to get rid of."
Sen-Constable Russell Parker said police had cleared four recent break and enter cases by reuniting the stolen items with the rightful owners.
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Lost and found: Australian Crocodile Traders managing director Keith Cook takes possession of crocodile skins, belts and a large head allegedly stolen from his farm. Picture: MARC McCORMACK
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